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13 Nov 2005
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.
Posts: 3
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Advice for a trip through Mexico
Dear Experienced Motorcyclists,
I am planning a trip from the border of Mexico to the Panama Canal. I was wondering if I could get some advice on my bike. I have a Suzuki GS 500. Its been on several trips from Salt Lake City, Ut. to Vegas, NV, to California. I love it because I know how to fix it. But is a bike that small going to be what I want to ride all the way to the Panama Canal from the U.S./Mexico border? Or should I think about upgrading to a different model. Thanks experience travelers.
Sincerly
Josueangel
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13 Nov 2005
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HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,323
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Jose,
that bike is anything but "too small" in fact it's just about right!
Most North Americans have the mistaken idea that they need a "big" bike to travel outside of USA/Canada on - nonsense - small is good - there are no high speed freeways out of the US and Canada, instead there's small twisty roads, with lots of traffic in town, and a big bike is a negative, not a plus 98% of the time. Smaller bikes are easier to ride, cheaper to maintain, fuel and fix.
Go - your bike is just right.
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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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18 Nov 2005
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 45
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Josueangel,
A gs500e would be great for that trip. It is light and has good range/fuel economy. Like Grant Johnson said you won't be doing a lot of high speed cruising down there, but if you could the gs would be up to the task. I once rode an old, abused and already high-mileage gs500e 12,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada in one busy summer (mostly on highways), and I had zero problems cruising at between 75 to 80 m.p.h. even on very hot days (120 F). Though your fuel mileage will be pretty poor at this speed. Don't underestimate your gs, check the oil, make sure the small hamster that powers the engine is happy and well fed, and she will take you where ever you want to go!
Have a great trip,
Nate
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BLAME PATAGONIA
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24 Nov 2005
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 17
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I toured europe with an XT600. Your GS will be just fine. Plus you know the bike, how it handles and how to fix it, which is a big plus when on a long distance adventure.
Ride safe, take pictures, try local food (and girls), and have lots of fun!
Cheers,
Alberto
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24 Nov 2005
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Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cotopaxi, CO, USA
Posts: 19
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I once rode from Denver Colorado to New Orleans and back on a Honda CX500. Did just fine. Small bikes are fine for trips, and I agree with what the others have said about your experience with it, gas mileage, simplicity etc. Be sure suspension and tires are in tiptop shape for that unmarked tope you´ll find somewhere along the line in Mexico.
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25 Nov 2005
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
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Tell you what...
I live in Oaxaca. If you find that by the time you get this far south, that 500 is too small for you, I'll be happy to take it off your hands...
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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